Deal close on common rules on asylum-seekers

National governments and the European Parliament are on the verge of agreeing a compromise on EU-wide asylum rules, according to diplomats.

Member states’ ambassadors are expected to endorse the compromise rules on who qualifies for refugee status today (7 July). This would make it possible for members of the Parliament’s civil liberties committee to discuss the draft directive on Tuesday (12 July). Interior ministers will hold an informal discussion of the deal at a meeting in Sopot, Poland, on 18-19 July.

Protection

The draft directive sets Union-wide standards for determining whether an asylum-seeker qualifies for refugee status or other forms of international protection provided by member states. It also outlines the rights to residence, employment and social benefits associated with that status.

The draft directive is one of five pieces of legislation that will comprise a common European asylum system, which is supposed to be in place by the end of next year. Member states have resisted attempts by the European Commission to enshrine higher protection standards in the legislation, and opposed what they see as burdensome procedures.

Lack of progress

Progress on the asylum package as a whole has come to a virtual standstill. Cecilia Malmström, the European commissioner for home affairs, last month attempted to restart the process by proposing simplifications to two other draft asylum directives, on reception conditions and on procedures. Interior ministers will discuss Malmström’s proposals in Sopot.

The most contentious element of the asylum system remains the Dublin II regulation, which makes the country through which asylum-seekers enter the EU responsible for processing asylum claims. The qualification directive was not particularly controversial, but its adoption is significant because it sets down rules on complicated questions, for example on who qualifies as a family member.